‘A featherweight flyer for those in search of a 5K PB. Deep pockets required.’
Premium quality in a lightweight package
On Running’s signature CloudTec running ‘pods’
A responsive shoe, made for fast miles
Bigger runners may require more protection
Expensive for a racing flat
On is positioning the shoe as ‘the fastest On ever’, saying that it is designed for “pure speed”. It has all the hallmarks of the racing flat: low heel-to-toe drop (5mm), lightweight (211g) and minimal cushioning. And, most importantly, it feels super-fast on the feet – one tester compared it to ‘running on air’. Like a Formula One car, it is stripped down to the bare essentials – so those looking for a plush, cushioned ride should look elsewhere. This is a shoe for quick efforts and will be appreciated by those closer to the front than the back of the pack.
14 'cloud' lugs
The outsole is comprised of 14 ‘cloud’ lugs. These are designed to offer cushioning and also transfer energy. The shoes certainly feel responsive during short, sharp efforts, and provide decent grip on tarmac and track. However, you’d have to be slightly careful in frosty or particularly wet conditions, as the shoes aren’t quite as Quilted as something like an Adidas racing flat.
Sandals LASOCKI WI23-FOXI-31 Camel
The 'Cloudflash Speedboard'
Above the ‘cloud’ lugs is a hard sole plate that On calls the ‘Cloudflash Speedboard’. This is very low density and designed to provide efficient energy return. This all helps to create a snappy feel, although the trade-off is that the shoes lack a little comfort and protection underfoot. One tester experienced some pain under his big toe at the end of a half-marathon effort in the shoes. In this weight range, there are other shoes, such as the Nike Zoom Streak 7, that provide significantly more padding (at a significantly lower price).
The barely-there upper
The Cloudflash has a barely-there upper, constructed of a lightweight and breathable mesh that’s also impressively waterproof. There’s also a nice amount of flex to the material and enough height and room in the forefoot to allow 0ME50 to splay. The slick neon and white looks were appreciated by our testers, although one noted that ‘it’s difficult to get them back to their bright, white state’ after a winter run. The laces, however, are too long and, for a shoe as expensive as this, feel surprisingly cheap.
If you’re a fan of On’s shoes and are in search of an out-and-out racer, then the Cloudflash will tick all your boxes. It’s low-profile, responsive and ideal for 5Ks and 10Ks. Like all On’s shoes, it also looks the part. However, the lack of cushioning may prove a problem for bigger runners, while the high price-tag means it’s a lot more expensive than the vast majority of racing flats.
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